The Countess of Mar: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What benefit options are available for individuals who have been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and who have had their incapacity benefit withdrawn because they are deemed fit for work following a medical examination whilst they appeal against the decision.

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government: Whether they have assessed the effectiveness of the comprehensive system of education in England; and, if so, whether this assessment has informed their decision to change the system. [HL2243]

Lord Adonis: The education system in England is widely recognised as a success. In 1997, a third of children left primary school without the skills to make proper progress to secondary school; in 2005, 79 per cent. of pupils at key stage 2 are now achieving at least level 4 in English and 75 per cent. are doing so in maths. This summer, 56 per cent. of 15 year-olds achieved five or more good GCSEs, compared with 45 per cent. in 1997. The greatest progress is being made in our most disadvantaged areas. For example, 50 per cent. of pupils in inner London now get five or more good GCSEs, compared with a third in 1997.
	We must now ensure that the needs of every pupil are catered for. The attainment gap between different socio-economic groups is still too great. While there has been a sharp improvement in the number of good schools, there are too many children being let down by schools that are coasting. We are ranked 27th out of 30 industrialised countries in terms of our participation rate for 17 year-olds in continued education and training.
	The reforms set out in the recent schools White Paper will meet these challenges by enabling every school to be as good as the best and ensuring every child reaches their full potential.

Lord McKenzie of Luton: HM Treasury is determined that information regarding consultations is brought to the attention of all relevant stakeholders including the general public in line with Cabinet Office guidelines. This includes publishing all consultation documents on the web site. The department uses press notices where this is seen as the most effective form of communication in launching a consultation process. It also uses other forms of communication including sending hard copies of the consultation paper to interested parties.